Question

Which organism in Table 15.2 most easily causes an infection?

A) E. coli O157:H7
B) Legionella pneumophila
C) Shigella
D) Treponema pallidum
E) The answer cannot be determined based on the information provided.

Answer 1

Based on the provided information, E. coli O157:H7 is a likely candidate to most easily cause an infection due to its potent Shiga toxin and history of causing severe illness through food and water contamination.

Step-by-step explanation:

To determine which organism from Table 15.2 most easily causes an infection, we need to consider aspects such as infectious dose, mode of transmission, and pathogenic mechanisms. Not all the information needed is provided; however, we know that certain strains of E. coli, specifically the enterohemorrhagic strain E. coli O157:H7, produce a potent Shiga toxin that can lead to severe illness such as hemorrhagic colitis and even a life-threatening condition called hemolytic uremic syndrome. Given this information, E. coli O157:H7 has a significant potential to cause infection, especially through contaminated food and water, making it a likely candidate to most easily cause an infection among the options listed.